Every extra energy star means you can cut 27 per cent off the lifetime running costs of washing machines and 15 per cent from dryers.

Stop wasting money on running costs

Long term running costs can often exceed the purchase price, so use the information from the Energy Rating Label and the Energy Rating Calculator to ensure you are buying the most energy-efficient appliance.

Buy a washing machine with at least a 3½ star energy rating and four star water rating

Front loaders use about half the water of top loaders

Look for models with load-sensing technology

Choose a model with hot and cold water connections if you have gas hot water

Switch to a cold wash every time and cut 80 to 90 per cent of your running costs.

Washing machines: running costs comparison

Washing machine and temperature

Energy star rating

Annual cost ~

5kg capacity – small

Warm

1

$179

Cold

1½

$24

7kg capacity – medium

Warm

2

$181

Cold

2

$23

Warm

3

$111

Warm (front loader)

4

$83

9kg capacity – large

Warm

1½

$147

Cold

1½

$24

Warm

3

$160

Warm (front loader)

4

$83

~ Approximate per annum 365 washes per year. Connection to cold water only. Based on 32 cents/ kWh. Unless noted as front loading, washers are top loading. The warm wash cost reduces when off peak, solar heated or heat pump hot water is used.

Clothes dryers

Buy a dryer with at least two stars.

Look for models with auto-sensors that avoid over-drying.

Install a venting kit to send moist air outside.

Heat-pump and gas dryers are available, and are much cheaper to run.

Dryers: running costs comparison

Uses per year

Energy Star rating

Annual cost ~

4kg capacity – small

78 (average 1.5 times per week)

1 (vented type)

$102

78 (average 1.5 times per week)

2 (vented type)

$88

78 (average 1.5 times per week)

3

(condenser type)

$74

8kg capacity – large

78 (average 1.5 times per week)

2

$162

156 (average three times per week)

2

$326

~ Average household use, about 78 times a year. Based on 32 cents/ kWh